Champagne Tour
France Bike + Barge Tours
Paris to Épernay or Épernay to Paris
"Remember gentlemen, it's not just France we are fighting for, it's Champagne!" Winston Churchill
During this bike and boat tour in France, you will pedal through the beautiful Marne River valley and the world famous Champagne region, either beginning in Paris, city of light, or ending there depending on your tour date.
In 2015, UNESCO granted the Champagne area world heritage status! The vineyards, wine cellars, and sale houses where the grapes are grown, stored, and produced are all culturally significant. In fact, there are many sparkling wines but only the wine produced in this region of France with its chalky soil and perfect climatic conditions can be called Champagne.
You will have the opportunity to cycle to boutique wineries, sample a variety of champagnes, taste delicious Brie cheese and generally discover everything that the Champagne UNESCO world heritage region has to offer.
But more than just visiting the Champagne region, you will also have the opportunity to explore Paris, one of Europe’s most beautiful and beloved cities on a full day guided excursion.
Highlights include:
- City of Meaux, well known for its Brie cheeses
- Château-Thierry, the scene of major battles in World War I
- Scenery and endless vineyards on the rolling banks of the Marne River
- Epernay
- Reims
Watch a preview of the tour!
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2018
Elodie
Twin cabin: £ 1114 $ 1,755 € 1170 NOK 11700 kr 10800 $ 1,404 *Twin cabin/single use
*Limited number, on request onlyZwaantje
Twin cabin: £ 1142 $ 1,799 € 1199 NOK 11990 kr 11068 $ 1,439 *Twin cabin/single use: £ 1523 $ 2,399 € 1599 NOK 15990 kr 14760 $ 1,919 *Limited number, on request onlyextra options
Zwaantje
Electric bicycle: £ 81 $ 128 € 85 NOK 850 kr 785 $ 102 Gluten free or dairy free meal, surcharge will apply. Please ask
Helmets: available on request
If you would like information on arrival and departure transfers, please ask.
Elodie:
Electric bicycle: £ 143 $ 225 € 150 NOK 1500 kr 1385 $ 180please note
In France, it is not mandatory to wear a helmet. It is always best to bring your own helmet for proper fit and safety. There will be a limited number available on board. They
should be booked in advance (approx. £ 10 $ 15 € 10 NOK 100 kr 92 $ 12 to be paid in cash on site).Rates are based on double occupancy.
Information to read before you book.
Tour Dates
2018 Dates
Aboard the Zwaantje:
Paris to Epernay: May 26, 2018
Epernay to Paris: June 2, 2018
Aboard the Elodie
Paris to Epernay: September 9, 2018
Epernay to Paris: September 16, 2018
Skill Level
This is a moderate level tour that is at times challenging with hilly terrain and varied country roads. It is for experienced bikers in good physical condition. The tour is fully guided and every day you will cycle along small country roads (short distances on dirt or semi-paved roads and tracks) that go up and down the hills adjacent to the river valley and through Champagne vineyards. Cycling distances vary from 30–50 km (19–31 miles) per day. You can also cycle self-guided for short stretches if you prefer.
Where You’ll Stay
On the comfort plus boats, the Zwaantje or the Elodie
What’s Included
- Aboard the Zwaantje
- Accommodations on board for 7 nights
- All meals, 7 x breakfast, 6 x picnic lunch during cycling itinerary, and 7 x 3 course dinners
- Multi-lingual tour guide for fully guided cycling tours and daily briefings of the bike tours
- Full day guided tour of Paris, walking/public transportation
- Brie tasting
- Half day guided tour of Epernay including champagne tasting
- Printed instructions and maps for daily bike rides (one set per cabin)
- Coffee and tea on board until 4 pm
- Daily cleaning service
- 21 speed hybrid bicycle with hand brakes, pannier bag, and water bottle
- Aboard the Elodie
- Accommodations on board for 7 nights
- All meals, 7 x breakfast, 6 x picnic lunch during cycling itinerary, and 6 x 3 course dinners
- Multi-lingual tour guide for fully guided cycling tours and daily briefings of the bike tours
- Coffee and tea on board throughout the day
- 24 speed hybrid bicycle with water bottle and pannier
- Ferry fares (if applicable)
- Daily cabin cleaning
- Laundry service available with supplement
What’s Not Included
- Aboard the Zwaantje
- Transfer to/from docking locations in Paris and Epernay
- Ticket for public transport in Paris to Lagny-sur-Marne
- Admittance fees to museums, attractions etc
- Drinks other than those mentioned
- Gratuities (at your discretion)
- Bicycle protection
- Trip insurance
- Aboard the Elodie
- All drinks
- One dinner
- Gratuities (at your discretion)
Extra Stay
Extra nights recommended
Day-To-Day Itinerary
ABOARD THE ZWAANTJE
Paris to Epernay
Day 1: Arrival in Paris
Day 2: Full day excursion in Paris, transfer by regional train to the barge in Lagny-sur-Marne
Day 3: Lagny-sur-Marne - Meaux, 21 miles (35 km)
Day 4: Meaux – La Ferté-sous-jouarre, 22 or 25 miles (35 or 40 km)
Day 5: La-Ferté-sous-Jouarre – Château-Thierry, 32 miles (50 km)
Day 6: Château-Thierry – Dormans – Epernay, 19 or 35 miles (30 or 50 km)
Day 7: Epernay round tour, 16 miles (25 km); visit Epernay and Champagne houses
Day 8: Departure from Epernay
*All distances are “approximate distances” of recommended bike tours. If you do not feel like cycling one or more days, you can always relax on board while cruising to the next town. Program and details barring changes, a.o. as a result of nautical, technical or meteorological reasons. If there are 18 or more booked, two tour guides will be riding and on certain days can offer a longer or shorter itinerary.
Day 1: Arrival in Paris
Embarkation and check-in between 5:00 and 6:00 PM at the Quai de Bercy on the Seine in Paris. It is possible to bring your luggage on board at 1 pm. Once on board, the captain, crew, and tour leader will graciously welcome you. Following dinner on board, you'll be briefed about the barge, bicycles, and tour program.
Day 2: Full day excursion in Paris
After breakfast, you will leave the boat and enjoy a full day guided excursion of Paris. Visit some of the many highlights that the “City of Light” has to offer such as the Eifel Tower, the Sacré-Coeur Basilica in Montmartre, the Notre Dame cathedral, the Louvre museum, the Arc de Triomphe, the Centre Pompidou, and the Musée d’Orsay. Your tour guide will take you by public transportation (day ticket not included) from the barge to the center of Paris and on some walking tours. For safety reasons, no cycling tour in Paris is planned. Return in 30 minutes by regional train (at your own expense) to the barge in Lagny-sur-Marne.
Day 3: Lagny-sur-Marne- Meaux, 21 miles (35 km)
In Lagny-sur-Marne, you can take your bicycle for a first ride, mainly along the Marne river and its parallel canal. First challenge is the hill near Chalifert. The barge will take the tunnel through the hill but cyclists can test their fitness and muscles for the first time by climbing and crossing the hill by bicycle. Today’s destination is the city of Meaux, famous for its “Brie de Meaux” cheeses and the magnificent Cathedral St.-Etienne. You will overnight in Meaux.
Day 4: Meaux – La Ferté-sous-jouarre, 22 or 25 miles (35 or 40 km)
After breakfast you will start your cycling tour through the center of Meaux, leading over the hills and slopes of the Marne valley and through forests and small villages on the southern and northern banks of the river. On the way, you may visit the Château de Montceau, construction of which was started by Catherine de Médicis in the 16th century. During the day you will enjoy a tasting of the famous Brie de Meaux and Brie Noir cheese. The boat will moor for the night in La-Ferté-sous-Jouarre or one of the villages nearby.
Day 5: La-Ferté-sous-Jouarre – Château-Thierry, 32 miles (50 km)
Today is a somewhat challenging bike tour from La-Ferté-sous-Jouarre to Château-Thierry. The first segment leads along the Marne River. After a few miles, you will take a side valley and follow country roads along the small Ru de Bouillons River through various small villages and hamlets. Continuing uphill, you finally reach the plateau above the northern part of the Marne valley. Follow the valley of the small river Clignon. En route , there is opportunity to visit the large WWI American War Cemetery and Monument near Belleau which covers 130.5 acres, and is the final rest for the largest number of US military dead in Europe, a total of 14,246. Most of those buried here lost their lives during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive of World War I. A lovely descent then follows to Château-Thierry. Overnight in Château-Thierry.
Day 6: Château-Thierry – Dormans – Epernay, 19 or 35 miles (30 or 50 km)
Château-Thierrry owes its name to the castle that once was situated on the slopes above the Marne where remnants still remain. Château-Thierry is also known as the native town of the world-famous writer of fables Jean de la Fontaine. You will have the option to choose between a longer or shorter bike ride as you enter the official Champagne area. Cycle along the Marne river or cruise to Dormans, a quiet village on the Marne with a castle and chapel in memory of the battle of the Marne. During World War I, this area was the scene of intense battles. You will see the Château de Boursault, a large castle built in 1848 by the widow of Mr. Cliquot, who gave her name (Veuve Cliquot) to a famous Champagne wine. A ride up the northern valley slope to the village of Châtillon-sur-Marne rewards the cyclist with a stunning panoramic view over the Marne valley and the Champagne vineyards. Dinner on board and overnight in Epernay.
Day 7: Epernay round tour 16 miles (25 km) | afternoon: visit Epernay and Champagne houses
The last bike ride of this tour takes you along the quiet canal parallel to the Marne River to Ay and Mareuil-sur-Ay. Via Dizy as you return to Epenay, there is opportunity to visit Hautvillers. After a somewhat challenging ascent, you will reach this picturesque village of Champagne wine growers on the southern slopes of the Montagne de Reims. A highlight is a visit of the chapel with the tomb of the monk Dom Pérignon. According to tradition, Dom Pérignon (1638-1715), who was in charge of the wine cellars of the abbey of Benedictine monks, was the first to succeed in blending various kinds of wine into a wine of superb quality. Double fermentation, a method for the making of champagne, was also introduced by him. Reportedly, upon tasting his creation, he said, "Come quickly, I am tasting the stars." Once back in Epernay, after lunch, there is time to visit the center. Together with Reims, Epernay is a major wine center of the Champagne region. Three extensive wine regions meet here: the Montagne the Reims, the Côte des Blancs, and the Vallée de la Marne. Epernay has many town houses in the neo-renaissance style or classical style dating from the 19th century, especially around the beautiful Avenue of the Champagne where prestigious champagne houses such as Moët & Chandon are situated. The day ends with champagne tasting and a tour in one of the major Champagne houses.
Day 8: Departure from Epernay
Disembarkation after breakfast until 9:30 AM.
Epernay to Paris
Day 1: Arrival in Epernay. Boarding time between 5 and 6PM.
Day 2: Epernay round tour, visit Epernay and Champagne houses, 16 miles (25 km)
Day 3: Epernay - Dormans - Château-Thierry, 19 or 35 miles (30 or 50 km)
Day 4: Château-Thierry - La-Ferté-sous-Jouarre, 32 miles (50 km)
Day 5: La-Ferté-sous-Jouarre – Meaux, 22 or 25 miles (35 or 40 km)
Day 6: Meaux - Lagny-sur-Marne, 21 miles (35 km)
Day 7: Paris, full day excursion
Day 8: Departure from Paris
ABOARD THE ELODIE
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Pricing Information
Travel Details
Travel
Fly into Charles De Gaulle International Airport in Paris. (CDG)
Local Travel
For tour starts in Paris: There are a few options for arriving at the docking location. Station Gare du Lyon is not far from the Quai de Bercy, close to where the boat will be moored. To get to Gare du Lyon from CDG, you can take either an airport shuttle, the train (RER Line B) or a taxi.
For tour starts in Epernay: From CDG, you can take a train to Epernay. Transfers and travel time depend on departure time and type of train.
Climate
Please check local conditions before your arrival. Average high/low temperatures in degrees Fahrenheit in the area you will be traveling are: June: 70/54° and July: 75/58°.
Remarks
In France, it is not mandatory for adults to wear a helmet, however, we strongly recommend bringing your own helmet for proper fit and safety. There will be a limited number available on board. They should be requested in advance. French law now mandates that children under the age of 12 must wear a helmet. Children helmets are NOT available on board, you must bring your own.
Tour Operator
This tour is operated by Boat Bike Tours. We do not run these tours ourselves, we never have. We work on commission from our local partners plus a small administration fee of €20. We pride ourselves on the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
Champagne Tour Boats + Barges
Elodie Netherlands, Belgium, France Comfort Plus Class Boat The Elodie was built in 1931 and has been completely refurnished into a luxury holiday ship. The ship has a saloon and sundeck and all of its cabins come with air-conditioning. The saloon of the Elodie is furnished in ship-style by using various types of wood in the finishing.
Zwaantje France, Netherlands, Belgium Comfort Plus Class Boat The MPS Zwaantje, which means "Little Swaan", is a wonderful comfort plus barge. The boat has 10 cabins with twin beds and 2 cabins with double beds. These cabins also have a bunk bed but cannot be used as a triple. Each cabin has private facilities.
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Customer Feedback
Barry B. 3 weeks ago
Crew, guide, staff were attentive, cordial and helpful. Barge was clean and comfortable. Bike routes were very scenic and interesting. Mary Ann, our guide was very knowledgeable, and simply terrific. Will we go again?....absolutely yes.
Boat: Zwaantje
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Martha Y. 2 months ago
The most memorable part of the trip was the scenery and atmosphere.
Boat: Zwaantje
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Michael F. 2 months ago
The Captain and crew were just wonderful. While the sights were certainly great, like cheese making, Champagne tasting, visitng the ruins and the WWII cemeteries it was the warm welcome from the Captain and crew that really made this trip. There was nothing they wouldn't do for us including getting fresh baguettes every day, finding out our personal preferences for drinks after a long day in the saddle, and in general giving 110% to keep everyone happy. I strongly recommend the Captain and crew of the Zwaantje! I also must mention a big thank you to Carla and her crew at Tripsite for their assistance in getting us additional e-bikes. Without the e-bikes some of us just wouldn't have made the hills, with them we enjoyed every minute. Thank you!
Boat: Zwaantje
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Jeff K. 1 year ago
The boat staff was great. Food, service and cleanliness was excellent.
Boat: Zwaantje
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Paul L. 1 year ago
The Zwaantje barge crew were most excellent - great accommodations, food and customer service!! I would take another bike and barge trip with this group....it was an experience of a lifetime!
Boat: Zwaantje
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Fulton A. 1 year ago
Mega-kudos to the Zwaanje crew, headed by Martin. They're an extraordinary group.
Our guide, Mintje, was good and well-intentioned, but she sometimes didn't grasp entirely the group's priorities.
The route was fantastic -- scenery, length of rides, etc. The tours (champagne, brie, etc., were excellent, especially the family-owned company, Nowak. We learned things and had a lot of fun.
We appreciated how Martin and Mintje responded to our requests for flexibility in developing distance options for less- and more-eager riders.
Also, availability of electric bikes made it possible for spouses (of both sexes) to accompany on rides they usually wouldn't be able to do. We know electric bikes are controversial in some corners, but they made the trip possible for some of our group.
One last thing ... TripSite's PDF summarizing the ride, proposing packing lists, giving directions and tips, was excellent. Congratulations.
Boat: Zwaantje
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D. Power 1 year ago
The staff on the Zwaantje made the trip!
Boat: Zwaantje
Reply
D. Miller 1 year ago
The ship, captain and crew were wonderful. Our guide was totally unacceptable!
My only complaint regarding the boat was due to the small cabins. The French locks are narrow, so the boat is narrow, making the rooms a bit to small for my comfort.
Our main concern was the unprepared tour group leader. She was constantly undecided on how to proceed. I think it was more trying to please the group than not knowing what to do. There should have been a route guide for each person (all we received was a large map with no route shown on it). She needed to be a leader rather than a friend!
Boat: Zwaantje
Reply
M. Dumestre 1 year ago
I highly recommend the Swaantje barge. The captain is both technically experienced and oriented toward customer satisfaction. The staff was very attentive to passenger needs.
The bike guide was competent, but needed a bit more familiarity with the routes.
Boat: Zwaantje
Reply
C. Robinson 1 year ago
Rooms really small; Guide was lost a lot; Staffers not very good with knowledge of E bikes;
But food was great..staff was kind..trip was pretty.
Boat: Zwaantje
Reply
D. Quigley 1 year ago
Your tour was so damn good l find l'm getting naught done cause l want to go again - tomorrow. Seriously, l received courteous service that was pertinent and addressed any of the issues that l might have experienced. Personally, l think the whole Bike and Barge tour was run to the highest professional standards under what were adverse weather conditions. You can't plan for the tidal wave like flood of water that swept down the rivers and the very fact that you were able to 'tap-dance in the snow' and continue to operate at all does you no amount of credit. So from me, a big thank you to all the staff and keep up the good work. it was indeed a distinct pleasure for me to bear witness as other professionals surmounted adversity and came out on top.
D. Quigley - Melbourne, Australia.
Boat: Zwaantje
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D. Uram 1 year ago
For the most part the trip was wonderful, I would like to put most of my answers right in the middle of satisfied and not satisfied, I just thought the scenery and the landscape etc. was not what I expected. That is not your fault, enjoyed my trips to Italy and Germany were much more scenic
Boat: Zwaantje
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C. Bauer 1 year ago
The guide seemed lost most of the time. He didn't know where to stop for a picnic and one day we ate our lunches at a bus stop. I realize cafes mostly close in France between 12 and 2, but his lack of knowledge of where to find a toilet after lunch was a problem. He chastised us for being slow to re-organize, but then later we'd stop for no reason and wait for up to a half hour with no info from him. He was good at describing architecture.
Boat: Zwaantje
Reply
Jehiel 1 year ago
Hi C. Bauer,
Thank you so much for your comment. We have contacted our local partner and assure you we are working very hard to improve this tour based on your feedback. Thanks again for sharing!
Boat: Zwaantje
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